Merck, the company who makes the HPV vaccine Gardasil, may soon begin campaigning the government for approval to market the Gardasil vaccine to boys to prevent genital warts. The vaccine has been available since 2006 for girls and young women, and is given in a series of three shots. The estimated cost for the series is $375.00.

Genital warts (condylomata acuminate or venereal warts) are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases. They may be small, flesh-colored bumps or may have a cauliflower-like appearance. In women, warts may appear in the vagina, on the vulva, between the vagina and the anus, and on the cervix. In men, warts can appear on the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Genital warts themselves are not life-threatening, but can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. They are spread through a sexual encounter with someone infected with HPV, the virus that causes genital warts.

Gardasil targets two types of HPV (human papillomavirus) thought to be responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases, and two other types of HPV that are the cause of most genital warts. Although many other countries have already approved Gardasil for males, there is no proof that the vaccine will prevent HPV-associated cancer in men, such as penile cancer. Approximately one-quarter of cancers caused by HPV occur in men.

Related Links:

Video: Understanding HPV from illumistream

Gardasil site

HPV and Men: The Risks and Realities of Genital HPV from MSN